I've met some foreign teachers so eager for placement that they settle for the first offer they receive. Their placement was less than stellar, to put it mildly. I urge you to carefully review any job offers/contracts that come your way. Quality institutions offer housing or some sort of housing allowance, a utilities allowance, free (with co-pay) medical care and, most importantly: a liaison. This person is vital to your acclimation in your new home/job. If you are offered anything less than this, I would suggest you wait for a better offer.
How to shed one life and embark on your new adventure.
1. Banking: most likely your new position comes with a bank account. You shouldn't have to tap into any cash reserves you leave behind. However, you might consider an international bank account, one you can access from overseas. If your country is China, HSBC is a likely choice. You can open an account online while still at home and access your money from any variety of ATMs abroad. There are several other Chinese banks that operate worldwide; a web search will yield more results.
2. Power of Attorney: this sounds rather drastic but I believe it is necessary. You should assign power of attorney to someone you trust. In case of anything, you might need a representative while you're away. Besides, it just makes good sense - a part of having your affairs in order.
3. Hepatitis A: I'm not saying the food overseas is always of poor quality and/or will definitely make you sick, but you will have to condition your body to accepting different foods. Getting Hep A shot is just a smart thing to do.
4. Spend some time online. Learn at least the rudiments of the language: 'please', 'thank you', 'hello', etc. You will know the city you're destined for once you sign the contract. Read about it. If possible, look at transit maps and/or bus schedules. This will go a long way to help you not feel dislocated once you get there.
A good website is: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/
This website allows you to read all about your new home, and it even includes information on how to get around in the city.
No matter how much you are looking forward to new experiences, you will suffer a measure of disconnect. That's perfectly natural and it will pass, in time. Be sure you have a strong connection to your loved ones. They will be vital to your adapting to your new life. Establish a Skype or (even better) QQ account. You can use either one to videochat but I recommend QQ (www.imqq.com). Skype can sometimes be iffy.
Speaking of computer connections: VPNs are prevalent but illegal in China. Some expats I know have paid a yearly fee to connect as they do in the west - facebook, YouTube, etc - and have lost their connection. You might not be able to access those channels here, but there are ample video channels - youkou, sokou and others, and a QQ account will go a long way to establish you into the cybersphere while you're over here.
Besides China Daily's expat blog, a great place to get information about overseas experience and connect with other teachers is eslcafe.com – where you can read about the trials and tribulations of other expats, get help in the classroom (if you're coming over to China as a teacher) and learn about local doings. You can contribute, and even write your own blog. For the latter I highly recommend China Daily.
I think that's it! I share your eagerness for adventure and welcome you. Should you make it to Wuhan, I'd be delighted to show you around and help you settle in. Wish you the best!
The original blog: http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-1372409-20393.html
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